BA in Drama in Ann Arbor United States | University of Michigan Ann Arbor

The LSA Drama Major, overseen by the Residential College, provides a distinctive academic path at the University of Michigan: studying dramatic literature through performance. Participants explore every phase of theatrical creation while refining their artistic sensibility via hands-on practice. The program allows students to engage deeply with theater as both performers and directors, while also gaining knowledge in production elements like costume design, set construction, lighting techniques, and sound engineering. This interdisciplinary major leverages the combined expertise of Residential College drama instructors and Theatre & Drama faculty from the School of Music. RC-led courses focus on a specialized performance-based approach to scripts, merging textual analysis with practical rehearsal techniques. Theatre Department classes expose students to technical theater disciplines, enhancing their understanding of stagecraft. The program structure provides numerous experiential learning opportunities for research, creative exploration, and theatrical performance. Degree requirements include 35 credit hours progressing from foundational classes to advanced coursework across two specialized concentrations. The complementary Text to Performance minor (16-18 credits) concludes with a production-focused capstone that synthesizes all aspects of dramatic study.